The Brooklyn Nine-Nine episode that begins with the iconic Backstreet Boys’ “I Want It That Way” impromptu singalong is Season 5, Episode 5, titled “The Jimmy Jab Games II.” This cold open has become a defining moment in the show’s history, celebrated for its comedic brilliance and showcasing the ensemble cast’s undeniable chemistry.
The Anatomy of a Perfect Cold Open
The cold open, a hallmark of Brooklyn Nine-Nine, serves as a short, standalone comedic vignette to immediately grab the viewer’s attention. “The Jimmy Jab Games II” exemplifies this art form perfectly. The scene begins with Jake Peralta investigating a shooting at a jewelry store. Instead of immediately focusing on clues, he uses the line-up of suspects to initiate a singalong of “I Want It That Way.” Each suspect, under duress and confusion, hesitantly joins in, leading to a hilariously awkward yet undeniably catchy rendition of the 90s pop anthem. The unexpected musical break serves two purposes: it provides immediate comedic relief and subtly reveals vital information about the suspects’ personalities and willingness to cooperate. This blend of humor and subtle clue delivery is a key ingredient in the show’s success.
The comedic brilliance lies in the unexpectedness. No one anticipates a police investigation turning into a Backstreet Boys concert. The contrast between the serious nature of the crime and the lightheartedness of the song creates a uniquely funny scenario. Furthermore, the performances are pitch-perfect. Andy Samberg’s enthusiastic initiation, Terry Crews’ powerful vocals, and the varying degrees of reluctance and enthusiasm from the suspects contribute to the scene’s overall impact. The ending punchline, where Jake reveals the perpetrator based on their off-key singing, further cements the cold open’s legendary status.
Beyond the Singalong: Why This Episode Matters
While the cold open is undeniably the most memorable aspect of “The Jimmy Jab Games II,” the episode itself is also a strong entry in the Brooklyn Nine-Nine canon. The episode revolves around the second iteration of the Jimmy Jab Games, a series of ridiculous and often dangerous competitions designed to relieve stress and boost morale. This episode allows the characters to showcase their competitive sides and further develop their relationships.
The A-plot, the Jimmy Jab Games themselves, provides ample opportunities for physical comedy and character-driven humor. The games, which include bizarre challenges like eating a suspicious-looking pizza and navigating an obstacle course blindfolded, highlight the characters’ quirks and vulnerabilities. The B-plot focuses on Amy Santiago’s attempts to impress Captain Holt by organizing the squad’s budget. This storyline provides a contrasting dynamic, showcasing Amy’s meticulousness and Holt’s stoic, yet secretly appreciative, leadership style. The combination of these two storylines, along with the unforgettable cold open, makes “The Jimmy Jab Games II” a well-rounded and thoroughly entertaining episode.
The Lasting Impact of a Viral Moment
The “I Want It That Way” cold open quickly went viral, spreading across social media platforms and solidifying its place in pop culture history. Its popularity stems from its universal appeal. The Backstreet Boys’ song is instantly recognizable and evokes nostalgia for a bygone era. The comedic execution is flawless, and the scene is easily shareable, making it a perfect candidate for viral success.
The clip’s virality brought significant attention to Brooklyn Nine-Nine, expanding its viewership and solidifying its reputation as a consistently funny and innovative sitcom. It also helped introduce the show to new audiences who may not have otherwise discovered it. The “I Want It That Way” scene is often cited as a prime example of the show’s comedic strengths, demonstrating its ability to blend humor, heart, and clever writing. The impact of this scene extends beyond the show itself, serving as a testament to the power of a well-crafted comedic moment to capture the collective imagination.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are some frequently asked questions about the “I Want It That Way” cold open and “The Jimmy Jab Games II” episode:
1. What season and episode number is “The Jimmy Jab Games II”?
It’s Season 5, Episode 5 of Brooklyn Nine-Nine.
2. Who is the shooter identified in the cold open?
The shooter is identified as a man in the line-up, and Jake identifies him because he sings “I want it that way” off-key.
3. Why is the “I Want It That Way” scene so popular?
Its popularity stems from its unexpectedness, comedic execution, and the universal appeal of the Backstreet Boys’ song. It’s relatable and easily shareable.
4. What are the Jimmy Jab Games?
The Jimmy Jab Games are a series of ridiculous and often dangerous competitions held by the 99th precinct to relieve stress and boost morale.
5. What is Amy Santiago’s storyline in “The Jimmy Jab Games II”?
Amy is trying to impress Captain Holt by organizing the squad’s budget efficiently.
6. What are some of the challenges in the Jimmy Jab Games II?
Challenges include eating questionable pizza, navigating an obstacle course blindfolded, and the notorious “wet chair” event.
7. Does the Backstreet Boys have an official reaction to the cold open?
While there isn’t a single “official” statement, members of the Backstreet Boys have acknowledged and expressed their appreciation for the scene on social media and in interviews.
8. Who sings the best in the “I Want It That Way” scene, according to fans?
Many fans highlight Terry Crews’ performance as particularly strong and memorable.
9. Did the actors rehearse the “I Want It That Way” scene extensively?
Reports suggest that the actors did rehearse the scene, but the goal was to maintain a sense of spontaneity and awkwardness.
10. Are there other musical moments in Brooklyn Nine-Nine besides the “I Want It That Way” scene?
Yes, Brooklyn Nine-Nine features other musical moments, although none are as iconic. Characters often sing or reference songs throughout the series.
11. How did the writers come up with the idea for the “I Want It That Way” scene?
The writers have mentioned that the idea came from a desire to create a funny and unexpected opening that would immediately grab the audience’s attention. The Backstreet Boys song was chosen because of its familiarity and nostalgic appeal.
12. Can I watch “The Jimmy Jab Games II” episode online?
Yes, “The Jimmy Jab Games II” and other Brooklyn Nine-Nine episodes are generally available on streaming services like Hulu and Peacock, depending on your region and subscription status. You can also purchase episodes on platforms like Amazon Prime Video and iTunes.